ACADEMIA

The virtual reality laboratory of the Centro Regionale di Competenza Trasporti at the University of Naples is to play an essential role in the progress and development of the Italian industry and technology in the Campania region. For this project, system integrator Italtech Solutions Spa. partnered with SGI to provide the image generating computers and with Barco for the 1:1 scale interactive 3-channel stereoscopic visualization system. For the Centro Regionale di competenza trasporti the state-of-the-art virtual reality laboratory will prove to be a unique asset to perform all tests on vehicles, propulsion and systems relating to Technology, Environment, Safety and Transport. The Barco CADWall, which is the core of the virtual reality laboratory, totals a stereoscopic visualization surface of 18m², powered by an impressive combination of latest state of the art VR technology. Three Barco Galaxy 6 Classic+ projectors in a rear-projection configuration deliver the brightness needed to produce active stereoscopic pictures. Each projector is equipped with a dedicated optical/electronic edge blending in order to produce the information of the three channels as a single large picture. Optical/electronic blending allows maintaining optimal contrast in the overlapping blending zones. The high refresh rate of the Galaxy projectors alternates the left eye information with the right eye information in full synchronization with the electronic stereoscopic eyewear of the viewers. Active stereo is known for its excellent stereo separation so users perceive the stereoscopic images as if it were reality. A proprietary developed high-contrast, multi-layer screen of 7,5m by 2,16m with gain, reflection and diffusion characteristics matching the high-brightness 3-chip DLP projectors, delivers high contrast pictures with perfect brightness and color uniformity over the total screen area. The wide viewing angle allows larger teams to work in optimal viewing conditions. Finally for interaction between user and virtual reality, Barco has integrated ART optical tracking in the CADWall. This wireless tracking system measures position and orientation of the user to provide feedback to the computer. The software recalculates the image and adapts the viewing angle according to the point of view of the user.